Picture books I enjoyed last week: The House That Crack Built by Clark Taylor, illustrated by Jan Thompson DicksDefinitely not a typical picture book. Much more appropriate for middle school or high school students.

We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song by Debbie Levy, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton Beautiful history and tribute to the song that is most well-known for the fight for Civil Rights.

The Matchbox Diary by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline So much good mentor text material with this story, not to mention the stunning illustrations. I put this one on my Caldecott contenders list.

I loved Endangered, and now need to find Threatened when it comes out. Hope it's good. I agree about The Matchbox Diary-so much possibility there for wonderful projects. Thanks for sharing so much, Beth.

I LOVE Matchbox Diary - it's a perfect book to introduce the concept of "making connections" to memories and your "life story". I appreciate titles of picture books that can be used with older students so will check out The House that Crack Built. I do not know about Endangered but am now fascinated! My son was totally FREAKED out by the pictures in the first Mrs. Pedigree and made me take the book out of the house! So likely will need to read the second installment in my car! Thanks for the great recommendations, Beth!